The current political campaign is today’s never-ending tragicomedy. The images on television of raucous campaign rallies reflect, in some cases, the worst in us.
For many, today’s world is an unhappy and fearful place. A lot of people are fed up, angry and adrift. Fuses are short, frustrations are high. When people feel powerless and inconsequential, it takes only a little encouragement – perhaps the slightest permission – to unplug their pent-up hostility and lash out. Suddenly, they have the power and the attention they have never had – and when the lights go out, they never will have again.
But while they have their 15 minutes of fame – which in today’s world of instant global viewership can afford them celebrity status – their other less-civil selves can take over. Their discourse is reduced to vulgarities, their human interaction to pushing, punching and spitting. Are they there as a loyal American to support a candidate or are they seeking a venue to let off steam or to unleash their personal demons?
One TV commentator said he remembers when he used to sit with his dad and watch the political process in action. They talked and he learned. Today, he says, he will not let his young children watch the debates or the rallies because of the way people treat one another.
Dad, if you have young children, perhaps you feel the same way and would prefer that they not view childish behavior from grown-ups. However, if you have older kids, you just might want to hold class in front of the TV and talk about what you are seeing and hearing. You may not find better examples of how not to act.